US Bolsters Uganda's Ebola Defense with Monoclonal Antibody Treatment

The United States government has provided Uganda with a significant donation of a monoclonal antibody treatment, MBP134, aimed at bolstering the nation’s defense against the Ebola virus. This proactive measure comes as an ongoing Ebola outbreak continues in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The handover ceremony took place at the National Medical Stores, where the State Minister for Health (Primary Health Care), Charles Ayume, formally received the donation on behalf of the Ugandan government.

While Uganda currently reports no active Ebola cases, the proximity to the DRC, where the Bundibugyo species of Ebola has been circulating, presents a considerable risk due to cross-border movement. “As Ebola continues to spread in the DRC, the United States is making sure Uganda is ready to act fast,” stated US Chargé d’Affaires Mikael Cleverley, emphasizing that the donation will facilitate a swift response to any potential cases and reinforce health security for both nations.

The US Embassy highlighted that the DRC outbreak has become the most significant recorded outside West Africa, with tens of thousands of cases and thousands of fatalities. The availability of MBP134 in Uganda would empower health workers to deploy immediate medical countermeasures, circumventing delays associated with waiting for external supply shipments should the virus be imported.

Developed by Mapp Biopharmaceutical with support from the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, MBP134 is designed to neutralize Ebola virus particles. Pre-clinical studies indicate its effectiveness against various Ebola species, including Bundibugyo. This treatment, which is not commercially available and used under compassionate-use protocols, was delivered shortly after Uganda declared its own recent Ebola outbreak concluded.

Uganda continues to fortify its surveillance systems, particularly along its borders with the DRC, to ensure the rapid detection, isolation, and treatment of any suspected cases that may arise. The US government has pledged substantial funding, over $619 million, to support Ebola response efforts across the region.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/us-gives-uganda-drugs-for-ebola-preparedness-5573888